A weekly podcast tracing the history of the Roman Empire, beginning with Aeneas's arrival in Italy
and ending with the exile of Romulus Augustulus,
last Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Now complete!

March 25, 2012

173- The Broken Bow

In the early 450s a string of deaths changed the political dynamic of Roman world. Between 450 and 455 Galla Placidia, Aelia Pulcheria, Atilla the Hun, Flavius Aetius and Valentinian III would all die- leaving the stage wide open for the next generation of leaders.

Just dropping a line of thanks. Listened all the way through, and have gone back to listen over favorite parts at other times, and will dip back into it again in the future. Best of luck with your own little piece of history.

Your voice has traveled with me through living in NYC and San Antonio, road trips back and forth from Texas to St. Louis and will continue to keep me company when tHoR Jr. is graduating high school. I've listened to the podcasts straight-through three times and will probably revisit them yearly as they provide me with so much joy.

Thank You Mike for this incredible work, and congratulations to you and Mrs. tHoR on the arrival of Baby tHoR Jr.

Mike, thanks for everything. Really, you've done some the best historical writing I've ever heard/read, and I've done a lot. The humor and humanity you've brought to the experience has made it that much more engaging. Really, I think you're something like a Roman Walter Cronkite: everyone looks at you as a friend they invite into there home.

That said, it had to end at Romulus Augustus, going with the Byzantines would have made it into something like The Simpsons: somewhat comforting to see, but really more a sad reminder of what once was.

If I may be bold, a request: any chance we can get a final Q&A show like the 100th episode? And maybe an occasional "Christmas Special" ala British television where there's one off episodes on aspects of Roman culture?

Enjoy your adventures in fatherhood, we all know you'll be a great one.

I am sad now...Oh well. Good luck with the baby. I have two children and I cannot imagine trying to take a twenty minute nap let alone doing a quality podcast with a small child to take care of. Congratulations Mike, and thanks.

Thank you again. I've loved listening from the very beginning, and I think you've created something wonderful here. And you've made the right decision -- Romulus Augustulus is the sensible stopping point for this series. The sadness in losing your regular podcasts is offset by anticipating what new things you will do.

Mike, congratulations to you and Mrs.The History of Rome on the upcoming birth of your son! It is an exciting time for you both! I hope that you are enjoying your home in Austin.

Though the THoR may be ending, I hope that you will continue the trips to Rome (and hopefully Constantinople again). I was unable to take any of your history tours because I am getting married in April and recently went to Constantinople (Istanbul) in 2009 and Rome in 2010. But, I hope to go back.

Thanks for an excellent podcast! I have listened to THoR since 2008 when I picked up on your podcast shortly after listening to the 12 Byzantine Rulers podcast by Lars Brownworth. I have enjoyed THoR immensely, and it helped to re-stimulate my long dormant interest in Roman history.

Thanks for everything Mike. It's been an absolutely fantastic ride. Though I really wish you could go to Justinian but as you said this is the perfect time to stop while everything is good. :) Wish you all the best with everything in your life and again,thank you so much for everything.

Congratulations on becoming a father and thanks for dedicating so much time and effort to such a worthwhile endeavour. While I am sad that I won't hear you take us through Justinian, Basil the Bulgar Slayer and the coming of the Ottomans I am sure that your (growing) family will be all the happier for seeing more of you.

We all knew it would happen one day but I don't think many of your fans have listened to your announcement without a lot of sadness. It's lovely though that the end of one era for you and us is going to be the start of an amazing time for you personally. I first started listening to you when I was pregnant with my first child and now I'm sat writing this whilst holding my second; you've been there for me through night feeds, colic and many a nappy change! Many congratulations to you and Mrs History of Rome, I hope we get to find out whether you've chosen a suitably Roman name for your son? I'll miss waiting for a new episode but will look forward to hopefully one day hearing that you've not been able to stay away from podcasting and have started us on another fantastic journey. Thank you so much Mike and best wishes for the future.

Thanks so much Mike, I think you're making the right call on this one and bowing out when the going is good. And good luck with the next adventure of fatherhood. Perhaps when the little guy is a little less of a handful, you might consider revisiting that history of the American Party system you mentioned way back at the start. I for one would love love love to hear that.

I join everyone in congratulations. Please write a book one day. I'm reading "Lost to the West" right now, after listening to the Byzantine podcasts, but that's always been second fiddle to the History of Rome.

A minor request, if you can find time. A recommendation podcast for all us history junkies who won't know what to listed to anymore. I've never found a weekly podcast quite like yours, but maybe you know more that I can't find.

Good luck with everything, and I hope a history of medieval Europe will appear in my podcatcher in 5-10 years.

Congratulations and good luck. History of Rome has been a great podcast. I will miss it. However, I've already re-listened from the beginning several times with as much enjoyment as the first time through.

Thank you for your insightful research, entertaining narrative, and all the time and effort you put into making such a wonderful podcast.

The HOR taught me about Rome like I never could have imagined Mike. Every week I look forward to a new HOR. I knew you were ending with the west but at the same time, I had hopes you might go with the Byzantine Empire.
For five years I've listened to your podcast and loved it. Now, like me you will be a dad. I hope you will have a podcast here and there but I understand if you want to call it quits now. You'll be missed Mike.

Thank you for an incredible podcast... Been listening for 2 years. Very sad for not having the privilege to hear the History of Byzantium or very much the History of anything by you. However my best wishes to you and madame Rome in your new adventure.

Sad to see it end, but we all knew this day would come. Thank you so much Mike, it's an amazing thing you have created.. and even when you're no longer making new episodes, we will all cherish all your work. Good luck in your future endeavours and congratulations on upcoming fatherhood.
kind regards, Matt, NL

Mike, you really gave me something. Your podcasts over the last few years have really been such a delight. You have made a subject I have always been in love with and made me love it more. Thank you, truly.
I don't know you but if the care and passion that you invested into this small thing is anything to go by, your little one is going to have an incredible daddy.

Well done mate. We are all very proud of you. Thanks again and all the best to you 3 ;)

Congratulations, and thank you so much for giving me - and hundreds if not thousands of others - days upon days of quality entertainment and a knowledge about Rome that surpasses anything I think would be taught in even the best of schools - and at the same time sparking a passion that means I'm now called "That kid who tells anecdotes about Ancient Rome.". Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your son! And thank you for a wonderful podcast, Mike. You and the Romans have kept me company through many a long drive, extended walk, housecleaning afternoon, and nearly every Sunday night. You've given the world a wonderful document in The History of Rome, and I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that I think you're the Gibbon of the digital world.

I see the Eternal City in flames all around Mike. He quickly draws his gladius, falling on it as Vandals stream through the gates. Collapsing buildings further terrify the fleeing Romans.
Meanwhile, Mrs. History of Rome steals away to Ostia, boarding a Constantinople-bound merchant vessel with their infant son, HoR II.

Thanks so much Mike, and congrats on the baby. History of Rome has practically become the soundtrack to my life. I've listened to the entire thing 4 times now and I'm about a third of the way through listen 5. Thanks again.

I've been a big fan for a long time, Mike, and like everyone else here, there's a lot I'll miss.

Not just the podcast and the information themselves, though of course that's a lot of it, but the clarity of presentation, the occasional asides, and mostly, your sense of humor.

To many, history is old, dry, and boring. Even for buffs and fans like us, it's too often presented in a stilted manner, of names and dates, "and then this happened." To say nothing of the mass (and mess) of contradictory source material, biases and flat-out propaganda.

So to have the highlights, the important things, and a few interesting oddities presented and explained in a straightforward and entertaining way-- that's just fantastic.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is this: Thank you. Good luck with your new life and your new adventures. I'm glad we, your audience, still have a little time before the end so we can all let you know how much we've appreciated the work you've done, and how much fun it's been.

Mike, thanks for all you've done for us over the past couple of years. You've been a staple throughout my University journey and were the inspiration for changing my minor to Ancient History. I really can't picture what my Monday morning commute will be like without having my Roman history lesson to listen to.

I was really hoping one day you'd pop onto the air and tell us all that you figured a way to make podcasting a full time job and that you'd be with us for many more years to come.

But as other people have stated in the comments, it is the end of an era and I suppose all good things must come to an end. Best of luck with you're child, it's lucky to have such a dedicated and intelligent Father!

I hope one day you'll find the time and are able to share your talents with us again.

Thanks for all your work on this podcast. I have been listening to it for a year now, first 5-10 episodes per day, and lately once a week as I caught up. Your work inspired me to see Rome for myself (before I caught up to the Tour announcement) and I am sure I will listen to all 170-odd episodes again in the future. Thanks again for your dedication and good luck as you move to fatherhood.

Thanks for the many great hours of listening. I taught a high school class based around this podcast and converted many a student into a History of Rome fan. As amazing as this podcast has been, being a father will be better.

I like many who regularly listen every week will have a huge hole in our lives that will be hard to replace. Thank you Mike for everything you have done these past years. My question is: do you think you will ever get back into podcasting on another topic?

Crumbs. My Monday nights at work was History of Rome night. Was holding out hope for the History of Eastern Rome, or a History of Baseball podcast. I'll just go back and listen to them all again.
Glad to hear of an heir to the History of Rome! Michael Aurelius Valerius Maximainus Herculius Augustus would be a great name.

Mike it is a brilliant podcast and I am very happy for you and Mrs the History of Rome. I am not sure what I will do without knowing another History of Rome Podcast will be out on Mondays. As a teenager it's a remarkable feat to get me addicted to history but you did. Please tells us the babys name when he's born, thank you again

I've been listening since the beginning. Felt compelled to find some place to say thanks. History of Rome has been part of my Monday routine at work now for the last four years, and I'm going to miss it. Look forward to seeing what you've got in store in the future, I'm sure it'll be great. Best regards.

Mike congrats to you both, being a father was last years highlite for me (next was discovering your podcast) im sure and hope all goes well.thanks for the EPIC journey that you took us on, i will cherish the podcast forever, it really ment alot to me and ill continue to live through it in re runs, those 15 mile walks through the local lakes will never be the same. all the best, HAIL MR & MRS HISTORY OF ROME!!

Congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family, Mike. Thank you for you efforts in the podcast. You have managed to make a fan of medieval history interested in the Romans. Enjoy your last few months of uninterrupted sleep :)

Firstly, congratulations on the impending pitter-patter of little caligae! Good luck.
Obviously, I'm sad that HoR is ending, I would have liked to hear your take on Justinian and Belisarius. But Romulus Augustulus is the most obvious place to end.

A couple of questions:
Are you sure Galla Placidia was the brother of an emperor?
In what ways did the Roman Empire die when Maximinus Thrax overthrew Alexander Severus?

Congratulations Mike on your first son!!! I have been a listener since Episode 72 and each week I have looked forward to your podcast. As a history teacher I have to say how much I have enjoyed listening each week. You have made history so enjoyable and accessible that THOR is what history should be. Thank you for the blood, sweat, and tears you have put into this. This podcast re-awoke my love of Roman history. You will be missed greatly. If you ever have another project please let us know!!!! I have been listening to all the old episodes of course and I was on episode 88 "A Day in the Life." Though I doubt there is time I wish we could have an episode that dealt with Roman law, The Games, Sanitation as you said,construction and technology, and some of the other things that made up Roman daily life. That being said it has been one hell of a ride and I could never thank you enough.

Septimus Severus Duncan. He will think you named him after a Harry Potter character.

It's been a great run.
You've earned your place with "12 Byzantine Emperors" and "Napoleon 101". It'll be one of the great podcast series that people will keep on discovering for years to come. You've told a story, and every good story needs to come to an conclusion eventually.

And now there's thousands of listeners out there about to go Cold Turkey. We need a new Story Teller.

I discovered THOR two weeks ago and just this morning finished listening to the first 171 episodes. I am devestated to learn that there's only two more. In my opinion, which I know doesn't count for much, this has got to be by far the best podcast out there. I've learned more about Roman history than in five years of high school, and who knows how many wasted hours bumming around wikipedia. Mike, you've put together a spectatular work. Congo-Rats!

(Yes, I said two weeks ago. Yes, 171 episodes. No, I didn't doze off. No, I don't have a life, I do a lot of driving ... a LOT of driving)

Thank you Mike for this wonderful podcast. This was literally the best podcast ever, and I hope someday you return to the medium. But in the meantime, I wish you and the Mrs. the best with your addition to the family. How about a Roman name for the baby? Maximinus Thrax would be a pretty cool name...

Mike, just wanted to convey to you how much I appreciate your podcast which has made many a subway ride to work and many a long plane ride that much more enjoyable. Being a recent dad myself with a now six week old baby girl, I certainly understand that you will be quite busy when the time comes!

The roman empire died with Alexander Severus because he is the last traditional princeps in the empire, he acted like the first citizen of the romans, not the barrack emperors like Maximian or like the god-like Diocletian and Constantine.

Even thought at the moment I have the biggest sad face then almost anyone here, I do understand. If you kept going, you would have to go into the ottomans, then how far it went, and then the dual monarchy of the ottoman empire and the Austria-Hungarian empire, and so on and so forth until you get to present day, and let's face it, it's not like you'll have all the time in the world. You have a life now, and we, your very faithful listeners, understand. I hope to keep talking to you, as possibly a kind of friend, and if so, my email is raph675@gmx.com, and if not, well I can't really blame you. Well, again, just don't forget to mention which Ostrogoth king sent Romulus to safety, or how his life played out.
And again, thank you so f***ing much man. (';

You've unknowingly been my carpool companion for several years and I'm going to miss you as you go on to become a father. Congratulations!

As a father myself, I'll let you in on a little secret: The first few months are especially crazy, but then it gets easier as you find your rhythm and your child grows. Your free time will return, as will your hobbies -- to some extent. If you wish to pick up the microphone again in the future, you'll find the time. If there's one thing parenthood has taught me, it's how to prioritize!

Whatever you choose to put into a podcast, I'm sure it will be well-researched, complete and engaging. Is there a place we could sign up to get contacted if (when :) ) you start something again? Having a ready-made audience is no small thing!

:O It is very sad that this podcast is ending. I have listened to them all and they are so great. I really wish you would just continue into a Dark Ages podcast haha. There is absolutely no podcast out there that is to the level of yours. Truly an accomplishment and my deepest congratulations on having a child. I hope you success in the future.

So much to agree with. Indeed, an auspicious portent: ends must come if beginnings are to continue.

This one, though long anticipated, came still with a shock of loss. It's a measure of the life you've brought to the empire's story that it feels like the living Rome will be lost again as the book thins to the last and the tale ends.

There is something selfish here, I admit, the thrill that soon won't come again, that happy anticipation, knowing I have a fresh, untapped half-hour with my patient, funny, industrious and curious friend Mike, who takes the time to tell me of Rome. It's something quite other than a book, because the voice in my head isn't one of mine, it's yours, and you're talking to me, not just reading aloud a text meant for silent study.

You've given me and the world a wonderful connection with an indispensable and fascinating part of humanity's history. I'm certain tens of millions will hear it in time. The straightforward way you told the story, your wry fascination with the puzzles of historical characters and unreliable sources, and your simple, clear, homebaked recording technique fused into a podcast that makes a thousand years of ancient history accessible to anyone who cares to listen. I have already recommended it to dozens of friends, and I'm really gratified to see you getting the recognition you deserve.

Congratulations, thank you, and may you and yours know every happiness.

I've listened to all of these over the years and eventually just came expect that they would continue on until 1453. Wow. Sad to hear you're leaving the show before getting to all the fun with Justinian and later with the Crusades (which I was looking forward to hearing your take on as that's what I studied in college). But alas, all good things must come to an end I guess. Thanks for the many great hours of entertainment.

Mike, while I'm sad to hear it is ending, I certainly understand why that would be necessary. It has been an awesome run, though, hasn't it! I'm now on my fourth trip through the episodes and I'm still amazed by how much enjoyment I have found in your little podcast. I didn't know I liked Roman history until I came upon you in iTunes. Now I struggle to imagine what life will be like when there will be no futher THoR. Thank you for all of the time, effort, and heart that you have poured into this project. I don't know about everyone else, but I can tell you that my life has certainly been enriched by all that you have shared. Congratulations on the pending birth of your son!

congratulations so much, it's great to hear that you are having a baby!

Also, as a first time father of a 7 months old girl I can tell you that you are making the right call, things are going to be very different around casa de Thor!

Actually, your podcast has been a very important part of the precious few moments of "me-time" I had during the first months, and with "me-time" I mean having the podcast in my headset while doing house chores and commuting, haha.

Your podcast has been a great thing for me this last year, and I look forward to hearing it several times in the future.

I have had a unique experience with the History of Rome, I think. I started listening to the podcast about 8 weeks ago and, with unbelievable timing, episode 172 was my very first in real time. I therefore have your WHOLE SERIES OF PODCASTS FRESH IN MY HEAD RIGHT NOW, and they were fantastic! Thank you so much for this experience and I wish you all the best in fatherhood, which is really, really hard and really, really rewarding!

Congratulations on the Family History of Rome. The auguries are auspicious, a new beginning rather than an end. And congratulations on not fading out like a 14th series sit-com.
Others have tried to copy your style and professionalism, but few have your obvious depth of knowledge, enthusiasm and delivery.
Looking forward to your next project - book, podcast etc.
I will savour the few remaining and miss my Tuesday morning treat.

I would like to join in the congratulations to Mike for the impending arrival of Elagabalus Duncan and for the phenomenal podcast (I first started listening when there were only 13 episodes). As I said in a comment a few weeks ago, Mike deserves to finish this on his terms, and the tag line at the top of the blog saying that THoR would finish at 476 has never wavered, so I have been preparing myself for this for a while now. THoR is an extraordinary achievement and I'm glad for Mike that it is finally almost over for him. The burden to do an episode every week must have been overwhelming, and how he managed to pull it off amazes me.

Having skimmed the other comments, I haven't seen anyone mention this yet, but I bet that the week after it finishes, many (most?) of the THoR listeners will turn around, go back to the first episode, and start the series all over again. I know I will.

P.S. Mrs THoR will come around on Elagabalus if you start pushing for it now.

Thank you so much. You’ve been the antiquities professor I never had (tech schools are a bit lacking in the humanities) and have awakened an interest in Roman history and ancient history in general that I also never knew I had.

Your skills are such that I’ve had a sense of foreboding for months now and it seems that it was correct for more than just the fate of the Empire. We all know how it turned out—we knew from the start—but you bring the ancient world to life so well that it’s impossible not to hope just a little that it didn’t actually end and I’d wake up to find my closet full of togas. Better praise for a historian I do not know how to give.

Congrats to the both of you, of course. I join the legions in wishing you well, or should that be hailing you. :)

What?? I am finally caught up with the Podcast, I move to Austin and I was starting to look forward to perhaps another History of Rome tour and you're ending the series? Nooooo!

Ok that was petulant and selfish me talking there. Thanks for your work, I have enjoyed this podcast like no other. I was hoping you'd hold out until the reign of Justinian, but as the father of two boys I perfectly understand what you are going through.

This is where I try and think of something clever to say, but given the quality and quantity of the comments I have parsed, I don't think there is much left to say. I just hope that you'll actually get a chance to read the comment, so that I can just say "Thank You."

To Mike: Thank you for this podcast that I have thoroughly enjoyed. It has been one of my favorite things for a while now. I have already burned every episode onto CD's which I will likely keep for the rest of my life. I can't help but admit that I almost teared up when I heard you say it was going to end. But then I really teared up when you announced the impending arrival of his son. Congratulations to you and your family. May the greatness of your progeny be Augustan. Thank you for The History of Rome, it is a gift to history and to the world.

Mike, that's wonderful and sad news! I have been a listener since episode 18 and of course went back and started with #1 when I immediately realised how good it was. I've yet to find anything that can rival it for presentation or content.

Your podcast has taken what was a lazy interest in Roman history and inspired me to study every aspect of it. My decision to move to Europe this summer could be attributed directly to the podcast. In less than a month I will be in Italy, looking for an apartment, and planning all my history-related excursions! Thank you so much for the inspiration.

Like a lot of people, as soon as I have heard the last episode I will be loading up #1 and listening to them all again.

I suggest that you create an email list people can sign up to. That way we can be informed when you find yourself with enough time to start a new project (maybe a History of Rome book!) or the opportunity to host new tours. Even if that means waiting until History of Rome Jnr is 16! I'm sure we will all still be interested.

Hey Mike - what impeccable timing, just like your delivery on THoR. Fatherhood is quite a trip, just like the trip back in time via THoR. Hearty congrats and all the best to you, Mrs THoR and THoR Jr. I will continue on to read about Justinian, and revisit your wonderful podcasts.